Five Easy- Start $65k Jobs

Success cannot be attained through short cuts. You have to work hard to earn. Education also has the same pattern because as the degree gets higher, there would be a corresponding rise in the pay package. However, there are certain jobs which prove to be high paying even with a two year associate's degree and some years of hands-on experience.

Radiation therapist uses radiation treatments to treat cancer and other diseases in patients. Most of them are employed in hospitals or cancer treatment centers. They need to complete a formal training program in radiation therapy leading to a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. They were paid $74,980 in May 2010 with an expected growth of 20 percent between 2010 and 2020.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists:

Nuclear medicine technologist prepares radioactive drugs and administers it to patients undergoing scans through scanner to create images of abnormal areas to appear different from the normal images. They are mainly employed in hospitals whereas some of them work in physicians’ offices or imaging clinics. An associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology is required for this profession. Technologists are supposed to be licensed professionals in some states. However, this requirement changes from state to state. They were paid $68,560 in May 2010 expecting a growth of 19 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Preventive dental services provided by dental hygienists is about to spur the demand due to ongoing research on oral health and general health. They are mainly responsible for cleaning teeth, examine patients for oral diseases including gingivitis and provide preventative dental care. They also educate patient guiding ways to improve and maintain good oral health. They also work directly with dentist and dental assistant. An associate’s degree in dental hygiene followed by a license in some of the states is the basic requirement for this profession. They were paid $68,250 in May 2010 with an expected growth of 38 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Nuclear technicians are supposed to assist professionals like physicist and engineer in nuclear production and research. They are trained to operate equipments used in these activities and monitor radiation levels. Most of them are employed full time in the nuclear power industry. An associate’s degree in nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology is the entry level for nuclear technicians followed with extensive on job trainings. They were paid $68,090 in May 2010 with a projected growth of 14 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Commercial Pilots:

Prompt and best job opportunities are found at Low cost carriers as well as regional airlines. Commercial pilots are likely to face really tough competition. Their main role is to fly and navigate airplanes or helicopters. Commercial pilot spends considerable amount of time away from home due to overnight layovers. For building up a successful career, an associate or bachelor’s degree from a civilian or a military school is required; which is then backed up by commercial pilot’s license and instrument rating. In May 2010, airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers were paid $103,210 whereas commercial pilots were paid $67,500 expecting a growth of 11 percent from 2010 to 2020. Regional airlines and low-cost carriers may present best job opportunities.